Founder of Georgian Airways Bans President Over Airline Boycott

Tensions Rise as Georgia Resumes Flights to Russia

The founder of Georgian Airways, the national airline of Georgia, has banned President Salome Zourabichvili from using its services. The ban comes after President Zourabichvili announced her intention to boycott the airline following its decision to resume flights to Russia. The move reflects the ongoing tensions between those in Georgia who oppose any rapprochement with Moscow and those who are more open to improving ties.

Russia Lifts Ban on Direct Flights and Visa Requirements

This month, Russia lifted a four-year ban on direct flights with Georgia and eliminated the decades-old visa requirement for Georgians traveling to Russia. The announcement was met with mixed reactions in Georgia, with some officials welcoming the resumption of flights while others expressed concern about deepening ties with Moscow.

Founder of Georgian Airways Labels President "Persona Non Grata"

Tamaz Gaiashvili, the founder of Georgian Airways, declared President Salome Zourabichvili "persona non grata" and banned her from using the airline until she apologizes to the Georgian people. The decision was made in response to Zourabichvili's public criticism of the airline's decision to resume flights to Russia.

Divided Opinions on Relations with Moscow

Georgians hold differing views on the country's relationship with Moscow. Some Georgians, who advocate for distancing Georgia from Russia and aligning with the European Union, oppose any rapprochement with Moscow. They express concerns over the presence of Russian troops in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which account for approximately one-fifth of Georgia's territory. On the other hand, some Georgians are more open to improving ties with Russia, and the government has worked towards this goal in recent years, refraining from imposing sanctions on Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

President's Warning on EU Prospects

President Zourabichvili, whose role is largely ceremonial, has warned that deepening ties with Russia could jeopardize Georgia's chances of joining the European Union in the future. Her strained relationship with the government adds to the complexities surrounding the issue of Georgian-Russian relations.

The ban imposed on President Salome Zourabichvili by the founder of Georgian Airways adds another layer of tension in Georgia as the country resumes flights to Russia. The decision to lift the flight ban and visa requirements has divided the Georgian population, with some supporting the move while others fear the implications of closer ties with Moscow. The founder's ban on the president underscores the contrasting views on relations with Russia within the country. President Zourabichvili's warning about the impact on Georgia's EU prospects further highlights the complexities surrounding this issue. As Georgia navigates its path between East and West, the question of its relationship with Russia continues to shape its domestic and foreign policies.